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Edie Weintraub, founder and managing director with terra alma, joins host Carol Morgan for this week’s Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio episode. In this podcast segment, Weintraub discusses how terra alma is prioritizing retail and recreation in mixed-use development to foster shared experiences among residents.
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Weintraub recently worked on a 600-acre mixed-use project in Austin, Texas. The community is a phased 10-year build, so one of the challenges was finding a way to provide retail to residents who move in early on. Alongside a team of urban planners, landscapers and architects, Weintraub developed a plan to build in retail incrementally. First, a model home and pocket park were put in, then an Airstream that conveniently sells coffee in the mornings and small bites and drinks in the evenings. She emphasizes that this is just the first phase of the community, there are still plans for a town green, a micro food hall and much more.
The addition of a local market in mixed-use developments, especially with its own subscription service, is a great asset for families and working professionals.
“If I have a subscription service for maybe one or two meals a week, it frees me up to perhaps go to my son’s water polo game or spend some more time with my other son prepping for the pie he wants to make for his school fundraiser,” said Weintraub. “And so just really incorporating the thought process of how we’re living today into the community, to pull the people out of their homes, apartments or condos and really get back together.”
Greenspaces are also a key component, providing residents with an accessible connection to nature. Weintraub points out that many families don’t have time to mow their lawns or do landscaping, leading developers to create smaller yards and more extensive community gardens and parks. Residents also value walkability, and it’s important for retail and recreation like coffee shops, grocery stores and gyms to be within walking distance.
Exciting Projects on the Atlanta Beltline
“What I love about it is that for Atlanta, we don’t have a beach, but we do have a beautiful river, and it’s kind of tucked away, but our Beltline has become our boardwalk, our beachfront property.”
terra alma has partnered with a client on developing Yuji, a sushi restaurant at the base of an office building. Sitting on the edge of the Atlanta Beltline, the restaurant will stay busy thanks to its location and covered, outdoor seating. The Beltline is a huge transportation passage, so as people walk, bike and rollerblade to and from work, Yuji and other businesses reap the benefits.
Common Mistakes During Retail Development and How to Avoid Them
Weintraub says that it’s so important to bring in retail experts during the design process because it can make the integration of businesses simpler.
Here are her top considerations for retail development:
- Width and depth of the space: If there is not enough room for operations, it will drive away potential leasees.
- Deliveries and Waste Disposal: Especially with restaurants and coffee shops, it is crucial to have a clear path for employees to receive shipments and take out the trash, but away from consumers’ vision.
- Parking: This is always a concern with developments of all sizes, but more importantly, within mixed-use spaces. Weintraub recommends a clear navigation system, whether with color-coordination, visual aids or something creative. Although the goal is to promote walkable living, she said you must assume that people will be coming in and out by car and plan accordingly.
In addition to her work with terra alma, Weintraub has also launched her own dinner series, “Table for 12,” which brings together 11 strangers and herself for a dinner of fellowship, connection and learning. She also helped relaunch and rebrand Women in Restaurants, which currently includes 400 women across the country. Women in the restaurant sector are invited to join the organization and gain valuable education and quality networking opportunities.
Tune in to the full interview to learn more about how terra alma is transforming Atlanta’s mixed-use development. For more about terra alma, visit www.terraalma.com.
About terra alma
terra alma is a woman-owned boutique real estate advisory focused on building community through thoughtful connectivity of local, emerging, and inspiring brands. terra alma curates space for emerging retail and restaurant brands and advises owners and developers on growth and expansion. Scouting locations throughout the Southeast, terra alma focuses on adaptive- reuse, main street development and mixed-use projects.
Podcast Thanks
Thank you to Denim Marketing for sponsoring Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio. Known as a trendsetter, Denim Marketing has been blogging since 2006 and podcasting since 2011. Contact them when you need quality, original content for social media, public relations, blogging, email marketing and promotions. A comfortable fit for companies of all shapes and sizes, Denim Marketing understands marketing strategies are not one-size-fits-all. The agency works with your company to create a perfectly tailored marketing strategy that will suit your needs and niche. Try Denim Marketing on for size by calling 770-383-3360 or by visiting www.DenimMarketing.com.
About Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio
Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio, presented by Denim Marketing, highlights the movers and shakers in the Atlanta real estate industry – the home builders, developers, Realtors and suppliers working to provide the American dream for Atlantans. For more information on how you can be featured as a guest, contact Denim Marketing at 770-383-3360 or fill out the Atlanta Real Estate Forum contact form. Subscribe to the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast on iTunes, and if you like this week’s show, be sure to rate it.
